BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention discloses gemstone arrangements that enhance the appearance of a primary gemstone by increasing the amount of light exiting and crown of the primary gemstone. By positioning complementary gemstones to redirect ambient light into the pavilion of the primary gemstone at specific locations and angles, gemstone arrangements can be arranged in a manner that amplifies the amount light observed from a desired angle and location of the primary gemstones crown. This invention utilizes all cuts and sizes of gemstones, and gemstones typically belittled for a deep or shallow cut have especially useful attributes for these gemstone arrangements.
2. Description of Related Art
Arranging additional gemstones around a primary gemstone is a technique to enhance the aesthetic attributes of the primary gemstone. By arranging smaller or otherwise complementary gemstones around a primary gemstone, an arrangement may make the primary gemstone appear to be larger, more or less colorful, or to exhibit more brilliance and fire.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,440 to Roemer, an article includes a primary gemstone and one complementary stone below the primary gemstone. When the primary gemstone is viewed from the top, the color of the complementary stone may be visible through the primary gemstone. Roemer does not select and position the complementary gemstones to direct light into specific locations of a primary gemstone.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,936,115 to Mesica, an article includes a primary gemstone with multiple complementary gemstones completely surrounding the lower portion of the primary gemstone. While some light may be indirectly reflected into the primary gem, the orientations and dimensions suggested by Mesica do not allow light to be specifically directed into the primary gemstone.
In U.S. Pat. No. 7,127,916 to Ruth, a gemstone arrangement is shown with smaller and more colorful complementary gemstones being juxtaposed with a primary gemstone. The smaller stone is aligned with the center gemstone by arranging the table or pavilion parallel to the pavilion of the center gemstone. The principle of Ruth is to allow colored complementary gemstones to make a primary gemstone appear as having more color than if the primary gemstone was viewed individually. This invention lacks a gemstone arrangement involving complementary gemstones that allow light to be specifically directed to desired locations of the primary gemstone. The angle at which light enters the primary gemstone it directly related to whether the light will exit the primary gemstone through the crown. The embodiments disclosed by Ruth do not allow light to be directed into and out of the primary gemstone with specificity. Furthermore, this embodiment does not utilize lower cut grade gemstones that allow light to enter through the crown and exit through the pavilion rather than internally reflect light that enters through the crown.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A gemstone arrangement comprising one primary gemstone and at least one complementary gemstone is the subject of this novel disclosure. At least one complementary gemstone comprising a crown and a pavilion is juxtaposed with a primary gemstone comprising a crown and a pavilion. The primary gemstone is preferably a step cut diamond the complementary gemstones are preferably square cut gemstones but this disclosure covers alternative embodiments with other gemstone cuts. The gemstones of this arrangement are secured in position by a securing means, which may include ring, necklace, earring, or other jewelry settings.
Ambient light captured by a complementary gemstone is directed into a specific location of a primary gemstone pavilion. The light directed into the primary gemstone is at an angle that results in the light exiting the primary gemstone through the crown. The location and angle that light exits the crown of the primary gemstones is dependent on the location and angle that light is directed into the primary gemstone pavilion by the complementary gemstone. The index of refraction is an important characteristic in determining angles of incidence that allows light to exit the primary gemstone through the crown instead of being internally reflected off the crown walls. Because the index of refraction limits the angles of incidence that allow light to pass through a gemstone wall, the light directed by an at least one complementary gemstone must be such that the light being directed is in a manner to intersect the crown of the primary gemstone at an angle equal to or less than the critical angle for internal reflection. Complementary gemstones direct light similar to convex lenses because complementary gemstones allow light to be directed at a specific location.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of this invention comprising a primary gemstone and two deep cut complementary gemstones.
FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment comprising a primary gemstone and one shallow cut complementary gemstone.
FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment comprising a primary gem, two shallow cut complementary gemstones and a setting to secure the gemstones.
FIG. 4 is a rotated side view of the embodiment of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment comprising a primary gemstone and a complementary gemstone with a table plain parallel to the table plain for the primary gemstone.
FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment comprising a primary gemstone and two complementary gemstones. The complementary gemstones are arranged in series with respect to the path of the directed light.
FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment comprising a primary gemstone and a deep cut complementary gemstone.
FIG. 8 is a side view of an embodiment comprising a primary gemstone and a deep cut complementary gemstone.
FIG. 9 is a side view of an embodiment comprising a primary gemstone and an ideal cut complementary gemstone.
FIG. 10 is a side view of an embodiment comprising a primary gemstone and a complementary gemstone that reflects leaked light from the primary gemstone back into the primary gemstone.
FIG. 11 is a diagram of a primary gemstone with light within the gemstone intersecting the table.
FIG. 12 is a diagram of a shallow cut complementary gemstone with light entering through the pavilion.
FIG. 13 is a diagram of an ideal cut complementary gemstone with light entering through the pavilion.
FIG. 14 is a diagram of a deep cut complementary gemstone with light entering through the pavilion.
FIG. 15 is a diagram of a shallow cut complementary gemstone with light entering through the table.
FIG. 16 is a diagram of an ideal cut complementary gemstone with light entering through the table.
FIG. 17 is a diagram of a deep cut complementary gemstone with light entering through the table.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
This invention discloses a gemstone arrangement that allows the location and direction of directed light exiting the crown of the primary gemstone to be specified by the arrangement. By utilizing the refractive properties of a primary gemstone and at least one complementary gem, the fire and brilliance exhibited by the primary gemstone can be actually increased rather than merely causing an illusionary effect. The novelty of this disclosure can be better understood by reference to the drawings and the following description and claims.
In FIG. 1, a novel embodiment with a primary gemstone 1 and two complementary gemstones 16 is shown. Although, the present embodiment demonstrates this disclosure with two complementary gemstones 16, this disclosure only requires at least one complementary gemstone and may include a plurality of complementary gemstone greater than the embodiments shown in figures of this disclosure. Primary gemstone 1 is preferably a step cut diamond in this embodiment, but primary gemstone 1 can be any appropriate gemstone cut, such as brilliant cut, marquise, oval, princess, or any other suitable cut. The complementary gemstones 16 in this embodiment is shown as a square cut gemstones, but complementary gemstones can be any appropriate gemstone cut, such as baguette cut, trapeze cut, brilliant cut, step cut, princess, trillion, or any other suitable cut. Furthermore, complementary gemstones need not be all the same cut or size of gemstones in a single embodiment.
Primary gemstone 1 has an apex 5, a crown 2, a girdle 10, and a pavilion 3. Crown 2 has a plurality of crown side facets 6, a plurality of crown corner facets 7, and a table 4. Pavilion 3 has a plurality of pavilion side facets 8 and a plurality of pavilion corner facets 9. Table is a level surface and defines a primary plain 11. Depending on the cut of the primary gem, apex 5 may include a culet. The center of table 54 and the center of apex 55 define a primary vertical axis 12. Primary plain 11 and first pavilion side facet 13, second pavilion side facet 14, and third pavilion side facet 15, define angles A, B, and C respectively.
Each complementary gemstone 16 has an apex 21, a crown 17, a girdle 18, and a pavilion 19. Crown 17 has a plurality of upper girdle facets 78 and a table 20. Complementary gemstones 16 are shown as deep cut gemstones. The intersection of the plains defined by table 20, and the external walls of pavilion 19 define a pavilion angle D. A deep cut gemstone is defined as a gemstone with a pavilion angle causing light to enter through the crown to internally reflect off at least one pavilion facet and then exit the gemstone through pavilion 19. The pavilion angle that causes this effect is dependent on the refractive index of the gemstone. The orientation of complementary gemstones 16 is shown with entire gemstone body below primary plain 11 and with the plain defined by table 20 perpendicular to primary plain 11. Complementary gemstones 16 are shown on opposite sides of primary vertical axis 12. However, complementary gemstones 16 being placed perfectly opposite of each other with respect to vertical axis 12 is not required for this disclosure. This embodiment gathers ambient light 26, 27, 28 entering through the crown 17, internally reflects light 26, 27, 28 off of upper facet 22 and then light 26, 27, 28 is refracted into the pavilion 3 or apex 5 of the primary gemstone 1.
In order for light to exit primary gemstone 1 through crown 2, the angle of incidence defined by light 26, 27, 28 intersecting with crown 2 must be equal to or less than the critical angle of incidence for internal reflection. Internal reflection in a gemstone is characteristic of the index of refraction of the gemstone chosen for the gemstone arrangement. Therefore, the angle of incidence for light 26, 27, 28 entering pavilion 3 must be such that the light 26, 27, 28 is directed at the crown 2 at an angle of incidence equal or less than the critical angle for internal reflection. In order to achieve an angle of incidence equal or less than the critical angle, light may reflect of the walls in a primary gemstone multiple times before exiting through the crown. The novelty of this invention is the gathering of ambient light and redirecting the light into the primary gemstone at an angle of incidence that allow the light to exit the primary gemstone through a location of the crown that can be specified by the selection of the gemstone dimensions and gemstone orientation. Light being directed by this disclosure is not limited to light traveling in a vertical plane; light being directed can be directed in all three dimensions. Therefore, a gemstone arrangement can be such that addition light that is viewed by an observer at specific viewing angles and specific locations of the primary gemstone is actually increased. Light being directed is not limited to light traveling in a vertical plane; light being directed can be directed in all three dimensions.
The embodiment in FIG. 1 is only one such arrangement of this disclosure and alternative embodiments with various primary gemstone and complementary gemstone dimensions and cuts are envisioned. More examples will be shown in subsequent figures but these figures are not the limiting embodiments of this disclosure. The preferred color of the primary gemstone and each complementary gemstone is colorless in this embodiment, but the primary gemstone and any complementary gemstone in alternative embodiments may be nearly colorless, blue, red, pink, or any other color of gemstone. The sizes of the primary gemstone and complementary gemstones are shown with respective sizes to aid the in the description of this embodiment. Alternative embodiments may employ different primary gemstone to complementary gemstone ratios and different complementary gemstone to complementary gemstone ratios. The preferred embodiment includes an at least one complementary gemstone that is smaller than the primary gemstone of the arrangement, but alternative embodiments may include complementary gemstones that are equal to or larger than the primary gemstone. Furthermore, utilizing smaller complementary gemstones may allow for increased accuracy in directing light into and out of primary gemstone.
The location of complementary gemstone 16 is defined by center of complementary table 20. Complementary gemstone location is moveable to the extent that the location of the complementary gemstone allows ambient light to be redirected into a primary gemstone. Therefore, the complementary gemstone is movable in the two dimensions defined by the primary plain 11, and movable vertically in the one dimension defined by the primary gemstone vertical axis. The complementary gemstone may be rotated about its center in any direction that allows ambient light to be direct into primary gemstone at an angle that directs light out of the crown of primary gemstone. Although light may not need to be internally reflected in a complementary gemstone, embodiments may utilize multiple internal reflections to direct light into a primary gemstone.
In FIG. 2, an embodiment of this disclosure is shown with complementary gemstone 16 being a shallow cut gemstone. A shallow cut gemstone is defined as a gemstone with a pavilion angle that causes light 29, 30, 31 entering through crown 37 to exit out of pavilion 39. As shown, light 29 may enter complementary gemstone 16 through table 20, exit through pavilion 19, enter primary gemstone 1 through apex 5, and intersect table 4 at an angle less than the critical angle for internal reflection. Additional light 30 enters complementary gemstone 16 through table 20, exit through pavilion 19, and then enter primary gemstone 1 through facet 14, and intersects table 4 at an angle less than the critical angle for internal reflection. Light 31 enters complementary gemstone 16 through pavilion 19, internally reflects off crown 17, and exits through pavilion 19. Then light 31 enters primary gemstone 1 through facet 13, internally reflects multiple times, and intersects table 4 at an angle less than the critical angle for internal reflection. Therefore, light 29, 30, 31 exits primary gemstone 1 through table 4, adding to light observed by a viewer; thus increasing the fire and brilliance of primary gemstone 1.
In FIG. 3-4, an embodiment of this disclosure is shown with a setting to secure the primary gemstone 1 and complementary gemstones 16 in a stationary position that directs light in the desired manner. The present embodiment includes a ring shank 32 and a prong setting 33. While this embodiment includes two complementary gemstones 16, foreseeable alternative embodiments need only at least one complementary gemstone and embodiments are not limited to two complementary gemstones. In FIG. 3, complementary gemstone pavilion cover 34 is presented. This feature, cover 34, is an addition feature that may allow an arrangement to further limit and specify the angle and location of directed light into primary gemstone 1. Alternative means for securing the gemstones are foreseeable from this disclosure and may include other means used for rings, earrings, necklaces, and other jewelry assemblies. Securing means may also include movable or rotating jewelry settings.
In FIG. 5, an embodiment showing a complementary gemstone 16 with table plain 20 parallel to the primary gemstone table plain 11 demonstrates another gemstone arrangement for gathering ambient light 35, directing light 35 into the primary gemstone 1, and then out of the primary table 4. The position of complementary gemstone 16 in relation to primary gemstone 1 directly effects the location and angle where directed light 35 enters and exits primary gemstone 1.
In FIG. 6, an embodiment of this disclosure comprising a primary gemstone 1 and two complementary gemstones 16, 36 directs ambient light 46 through the first complementary gemstone 16, then through second complementary gemstone 36, and then through the primary gemstone 1. First complementary gemstone 16 is a deep square cut gemstone and is positioned with table 20 plain parallel to the primary table plain 11. Ambient light 46 can enter first complement gemstone 16, through crown 17, and be directed out of first complementary pavilion 19 into table of second complementary gemstone 36. Second complementary gemstone 36 is a shallow square cut gemstone and is positioned with the apex 21 above center of complementary gemstone table 20. Light 46 entering second complementary gemstone 36 is refracted out of pavilion 39 and directed into facet 14 of the primary gemstone. Light 46 entering primary gemstone 1 through facet 14 intersects primary table 4 at an angle equal to or less than the critical angle, thus exits primary gemstone 1, and is directed to a viewer.
Alternative embodiments with more than two gemstones in series are envisioned from this disclosure. Complementary gemstones positioned in series, with respect to light path, can be various specialty cuts, various depths of cut, various dimensions, and various colors so long as the characteristics are to achieve a desired redirection of ambient light into a primary gemstone.
In FIG. 7, an embodiment comprising one complementary gemstone 16 redirecting ambient light into multiple facets 14, being on opposing sides of primary gemstone 1. Complementary gemstone 16 is positioned with pavilion facet parallel 23 to primary axis 12, with apex 21 higher than the center of table 20. Ambient light 47, 48 enters table 20 and is directed through pavilion 19 into facets 14 of primary gemstone 1. Light entering through crown facets 78 can also be directed into primary gemstone 1. Light 48 entering complementary gemstone 16 may be subject to one or more internal reflections, depending on the cut of complementary gemstone 16. Envisioned alternative embodiments to redirect light into multiple facets of primary gemstone may include more than one complementary gem, different positions of complementary gems, different types of cuts, different, colors, different size of gems, and different depths of cuts.
In FIG. 8, an embodiment comprising one complementary gemstone 16 redirecting ambient light 50 into facet 14 of primary gemstone 1 on the opposite side of primary axis 13. Complementary gemstone table 20 is parallel to primary axis 12. Ambient light 50 enters complementary gemstone 16 through pavilion 19, internally reflects, and exits through table 20. Light 50 refracts out of complementary gemstone 16 and is directed into facet 14 of primary gemstone 1. Complementary gemstone 16 is shown as a deep square cut gemstone but alternative embodiments may implore other specialty cuts and different cut depths. Furthermore, light may exit complementary gemstone through the crown facets 78. Depending on the location of light entering of complementary gemstone and the cut of the complementary gem, light may or may not internally reflect and may internally reflect more than once before exiting the complementary gemstone.
In FIG. 9, an embodiment comprising one complementary gemstone 16 redirecting ambient light 51, 52 into facet of primary gemstone 14 on the opposite side of the primary axis 12. Complementary gemstone 16 is positioned with apex 21 directed up and table 20 plain parallel to primary table 11. Ambient light 51, 52 enters complementary gemstone 16 through pavilion 19, internally reflects and refracts out of gemstone 16 from the opposite pavilion facet 22. Multiple facets 14, 15 are targets of directed light 51, 52 and facets 14, 15 are on opposites sides of primary axis 12. Light 51, 52 enters primary gemstone 1 through pavilion 3 and exits gemstone 1 through primary table 4. Light exits 51, 52 primary gemstone through crown 2 because the angle of incidence is equal to or less than the critical angle for internal reflection in primary gemstone 1.
In FIG. 10, an embodiment similar to the embodiment in FIG. 9 shows light 53 entering complementary gemstone 16 through pavilion facet 22 closest to primary apex 5. Light 53 is leaked light from primary gemstone 1. Leaked light is light that enters a primary gemstone through the crown and exits the gemstone through the pavilion. A primary gemstone that leaks light may be used in any embodiment presented in or envisioned from this disclosure. Therefore, complementary gemstones with various characteristics can be used to recapture leaked light and return the light to specified locations of a primary gemstone. Additionally, leaked light from a first primary gemstone may be directed by a complementary gemstone into a second primary gemstone.
The selection of a primary gemstone and complementary gemstones and the placement of the gemstones can be better understood by the following figures, which demonstrate the effect that gemstone cut, refractive index, and angle of incidence have on directing light out of a primary gemstone table.
In FIG. 11, a diagram of primary gemstone 1 is shown with light 55, 56, 57 intersecting table 4 at various angles. This illustration demonstrates the effect that the angle of incidence and the index of refraction has on light being directed out of the table to a viewer. If the angle of incidence is greater than the critical angle, light 57 is internally reflected off table 4 and exits primary gemstone 1 through pavilion 3. If the angle of incidence equal or less than the critical angle, light 55, 56 refracts out of table 4 and the angle that light 55, 56 exits table 4 is dependent on the angle of incidence and the refractive index of primary gemstone 1. The angle of incidence for light intersecting table 4 is dependent on the angle of incidence for light intersecting pavilion 3. The angle of incidence for light intersecting pavilion 3 is controlled by the selection and placement of a complementary gemstone.
In FIG. 12, a diagram of complementary gemstone 16 is shown with light 58, 59, 60, 61 entering through pavilion 19. Depending on the angle of incidence, light 58, 59, 60, 61 may exit complementary gemstone 16 through crown 17 or may internally reflect and then exit gemstone 16 through pavilion 19. Complementary gemstone 16 is a shallow cut gemstone. Light 58, 59, 61 enters pavilion 19 at various angle of incidences. Because light 58, 59, 61 intersects table 20 at angles equal to or less than the critical angle for internal reflection, light 58, 59, 61 exits table 20 at angles related to the angle of incidence and the refractive index of gemstone 16. Light 60 intersects table 20 at an angle greater than the critical angle. Therefore, light 60 is internally reflected before exiting gemstone 16 through pavilion 19.
In FIG. 13, a diagram of complementary gemstone 16 is shown with light 62, 63, 64 entering through pavilion 19. Complementary gemstone 16 is an ideal cut gemstone. Light 65 entering gemstone 16 through crown 17 internally reflects off the walls of pavilion 19 and exits through crown 17. Because light 62, 63 intersects crown 17 at angles equal to or less than the critical angle, light 62, 63 exits table 20 at angles related to the angle of incidence and the index of refraction of gemstone 16. Light 64 intersects table 20 at an angle greater than the critical angle. Therefore, light 64 internally reflects before exiting gemstone 16 through pavilion 19.
In FIG. 14, a diagram of complementary gemstone 16 is shown with light 66, 67, 68 entering through pavilion 19. Complementary gemstone 16 is a deep cut gemstone. Because light 67, 68 intersects crown 17 at angles equal to or less than the critical angle, light 67, 68 exits table 20 at angles related to the angle of incidence and the index of refraction of gemstone 16. Light 66 intersects table 20 at an angle greater than the critical angle. Therefore, light 66 internally reflects before exiting gemstone 16 through pavilion 19.
In FIG. 15, a diagram of complementary gemstone 16 is shown with light 69, 70, 71 entering through table 20. Complementary gemstone 16 is a shallow cut gemstone. Because light 69, 71 intersects the walls of pavilion 19 at angles equal to or less than the critical angle, light 69, 71 exits pavilion 19 at angles related to the angle of incidence and the index of refraction of gemstone 16. Light 70 intersects pavilion 19 at an angle greater than the critical angle and internally reflects.
In FIG. 16, a diagram of complementary gemstone 16 is shown with light 73, 74 entering through pavilion 19. Complementary gemstone 16 is an ideal cut gemstone. Light 72 entering gemstone 16 through crown 17 internally reflects off the walls of pavilion 19 and exits through crown 17. Light 73, 74 intersects crown 17 at an angle of incidence greater than the critical angle and internally reflects. Then because light 73, 74 intersects the walls of pavilion 19 at angles equal to or less than the critical angle, light 73, 74 exits pavilion 19 at angles related to the angle of incidence and the index of refraction of gemstone 16.
In FIG. 17, a diagram of complementary gemstone 16 is shown with light 75, 76, 77 entering through table 20. Complementary gemstone 16 is a deep cut gemstone. Because light 75, 76, 77 intersects the walls of pavilion 19 at angles equal to or less than the critical angle, light 75, 76, 77 exits pavilion 19 at angles related to the angle of incidence and the index of refraction of gemstone 16. Light may be subject to multiple internal reflections before exit a complementary gemstone 16. Light may also exit a complementary gemstone 16 through crown 17.
The described and illustrated embodiments of this disclosure are not limits for this disclosure. Alternative embodiments stemming from alterations by one skilled in the art that do not depart from the substance of this disclosure are intended and understood as being within the scope of this disclosure.
Patent Application
20120006056
